Alexander Gustafsson is prepared to bide his time before he attempts once more to pry the UFC light heavyweight title from Daniel Cormier.

Cormier, newly reinstated as the UFC’s 205-pound kingpin, looks set to face Volkan Oezdemir in his next title defense likely in early 2018 but Gustafsson, a two-time title challenger, is content to wait in line.

“I’m not going anywhere. Daniel knows I’m here to stay and that I’m waiting for my rematch against him,” the Swede said to Viaplay Fighting, as reported by MMAFighting.

Gustafsson’s last Octagon appearance was a Fight of the Night win against Glover Teixera in his native country last May, a performance which he believes has secured his shot at the winner of Cormier vs. Oezdemir. Until that happens, Gustafsson is happy waiting on the sidelines for his opportunity.

“I’ll wait and take it from there. I’m not in a hurry. I’ve had longer stretches between fights than this. I’ll be fine.

“I’ll wait and see. I want the belt. I want a title fight. We’ll see if DC and Volkan gets confirmed. Then I’ll fight the winner and…I’m pretty sure I’ll fight DC and get my rematch. I can’t wait.”

Swiss light heavyweight Oezdemir has catapulted himself into title contention at 205-pounds after just three UFC appearances, two of them swift knockouts of highly-regarded fighters Misha Cirkunov and Jimi Manuwa. Oezdemir is among the more formidable strikers in the division, but Gustafsson predicts that the opportunity has come a little too soon for the fighter they call ‘No Time’.

“Volkan does have a puncher’s chance. He has powerful hands as you can see here against Jimi (Manuwa). He’s not someone you want to underestimate. He’s a power puncher, but DC is the better fighter.

“He can take a punch. He has the cardio. He is a better mixed martial artist than Volkan. So, I see DC winning that fight.”